hampi tourism

Hampi City Travel Guide

Hampi Karnataka: Hampi is a village near Hospet in Bellary district in northern Karnataka state, India. A former capital located on the banks of Tungabhadra River that houses the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire

The name Hampi originated from the word Pampa, the ancient name for the River Tungabhadra that flows through the city. The name "Hampi" is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe (derived from Pampa). Over the years, it has also been referred to as Vijayanagar and Virupakshapura (from Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagar rulers).

Hampi, the 14th century capital of the Vijayanagar Empires, lies in the Deccan heartland in the state of Karnataka. The ruins of Hampi are scattered throughout an area of 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation. Protected by the tempestuous river Tungabhadra in the north and rocky granite ridges on the other three sides, the ruins narrate a silent story of grandeur splendor and fabulous wealth.

The splendid remains of palaces, temple complexes and gateways of the broken city of Hampi was planned in such a way that the important structures are located in two areas, referred to as the Royal Centre and the Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre contains remnants of opulent palaces, baths, pavilions, royal stables, while the Sacred Centre locates holy temples. The Sacred Centre is situated on the northern edge of the city along the banks of the holy Tungabhadra River. As you stand amidst its ruins, you can almost imagine the precious stones that must have once fitted these structures. And then it does not come as a surprise why Hampi was then declared by the UNESCO a 'World Heritage in Danger' and one of the most important tourist hubs of south India.